A Musical Weekend in Cervera
The Easter Festival in Cervera has become the epicentre of Catalan music, offering a varied programme that pays tribute to two emblematic figures: Domènec Terradellas, known as the Catalan Händel, and Pau Casals, one of the most influential cellists of the 20th century. This event, held at the Auditori Municipal, aims not only to celebrate the musical heritage of Catalonia but also to revitalise interest in its most prominent composers.
The festival's opening day was marked by a performance from the Polifem Consort, a group specialising in historical interpretation. Under the direction of harpsichordist Jordi Domènech and violinist Anna Urpina, they presented a programme titled Domènec Terradellas in London: a Universal Catalan Musician. This performance included a selection of arias extracted from the operas composed by Terradellas during his time in London, where his career as an opera composer gained significant notoriety in the 18th century.
The countertenor Rafael Quirant, great-grandson of the renowned soprano Carmen Tur Melchor, was responsible for interpreting these complex Baroque pieces. His participation not only highlights his individual talent but also symbolises a new generation committed to promoting the Catalan classical repertoire. This year marks the 275th anniversary of Terradellas' birth, adding special significance to his musical revival.
In addition to musical performances, the festival also includes educational lectures. At 17:30, musicologist and essayist Oriol Pérez i Treviño will give a talk on lesser-known aspects of Pau Casals. In the context of the 150th anniversary of the maestro's birth, Treviño aims to demystify the popular image of Casals as merely an interpreter and highlight his cultural and political impact on an international level.
Cervera not only celebrates these great names; it also concludes this year dedicated to Josep Cercós and pays tribute to another important figure: Montserrat Torrent, whose career as an organist is recognised with an exhibition dedicated to her centenary. The Easter Festival thus positions itself as a key event for promoting and preserving the rich musical tradition of Catalonia.
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